Godolphin pressed his hands convulsively together.

"And how long has she been there?"

"She only came about two hours since, sir; she came in a chaise, sir, and
was taken so ill, that we sent for the doctor directly. He says she can't
get over the night."

Godolphin walked to and fro, without trusting himself to speak, for some
minutes. The boy stood by the door, pulling about his hat, and wondering,
and staring, and thoroughly stupid.

"Did she come alone?"

"Eh, your honour?"

"Was no one with her?"

"Oh, yes! a little nigger girl: she it was sent me with the letter."

"The horse is ready, sir," said the servant; "but had you not better have
the carriage brought out? It looks very black; it must rain shortly, sir;
and the ford between this and S---- is dangerous to cross in so dark a
night."

"Peace!" cried Godolphin, with flashing eyes, and a low convulsive laugh.
"Shall I ride to that death-bed at my ease and leisure?"

He strode rapidly down the stairs, and reached the small postern door: it
was a part of the old building: one of the grooms held his impatient